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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-17

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1117), February 17, 1997

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca


CONTENTS

  • [01] Tsohatzopoulos, G. Papandreou call for immediate EU initiatives in Balkans
  • [02] Small tremor in Ionian recorded
  • [03] Tsohatzopoulos begins official visit to Germany
  • [04] Kranidiotis calls for US, EU initiatives on Cyprus, Greek-Turkish relations
  • [05] Tsohatzopoulos warns of territorial waters' extension if Ankara dares military move
  • [06] Tsohatzopoulos says Gov't to implement restructuring in armed forces
  • [07] Gov't clarifies that proposed social security funds amendment won't affect reserves
  • [08] Papadopoulos says Gov't will stick to convergence program
  • [09] Simitis tour of several provinces reported
  • [10] Public works program for Rethymno's old quarter
  • [11] OLME president requests meeting with Arsenis, teachers' strikes slated to continue
  • [12] Avramopoulos says he'll complete four-year term as Athens mayor
  • [13] Synaspismos holds conference on local Gov't
  • [14] Shopowners' strike today
  • [15] Museum robbed
  • [16] Mysterious attack on foreign correspondent's home investigated

  • [01] Tsohatzopoulos, G. Papandreou call for immediate EU initiatives in Balkans

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    Two high-ranking government ministers and PASOK's party secretary on Saturday called for the European Union's "active support" of countries in the Balkans and creation of conditions of security for the entire region.

    National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and ruling PASOK party secretary Costas Skandalidis called for the EU initiative while addressing a two-day Athens meeting of the European socialist parties which comprise the European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos spoke of a "security vacuum" in the Balkans caused by the collapse of communism and the EU's inability to put together a common foreign policy.

    "A new Marshall Plan is needed which would support democratization," he said, adding that EU nations themselves should find a different model of development for the 15-member union.

    "An institutional adaptation is needed so that the peoples of Europe realize that Europe offers a new framework to their benefit," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

    He also urged the promotion of "democratic socialist solutions" in the countries of central and eastern Europe, describing as "inadequate" the up till now programs providing for co-operation between these countries and the more advanced states of the European Union.

    Mr. Papandreou appealed for immediate financial assistance to Albania and Bulgaria, "which are in the throes of a deep economic crisis" and the charting of a long-term EU policy for the Balkans.

    This policy, he added, should aim at ensuring respect for borders and minorities, economic and technical assistance, regional co-operation and the protection of human rights. On his part, Mr. Skandalidis said "Europe needs a strong Greece. We shall re main dedicated to the international rules of peaceful co-operation for a Europe stretching from the Urals to the Atlantic."

    He also called for "a social Europe of equal nations and sovereign peoples" to stand up against "the omnipotence of bank and stock exchange capital".

    Such a Europe, Mr. Skandalidis added, should combine financial integration with a common foreign policy, decentralization and the safeguarding of each country's sovereign rights.

    [02] Small tremor in Ionian recorded

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    An earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale was recorded by the Geodynamic Institute in Athens at 1:03 p.m. yesterday.

    The quake's epicenter was located in the sea region south of the Ionian island of Zakynthos. No injuries or material damage was reported.

    [03] Tsohatzopoulos begins official visit to Germany

    Bonn, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos arrived in Germany yesterday for a two-day official visit, during which he is scheduled to meet with his German counterpart Volker Ruhe.

    Discussions during the meeting, to be held here this afternoon, are expected to include tensions in Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus issue and NATO's expansion eastwards.

    German participation in the Greek armed forces' armament program is also expected to be discussed, with German interest in the modernization of Hellenic Air Force's F-4 "Phantom" fighters by the DASA company, and the possible supply of submarines from German shipyards.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos, speaking from Frankfurt yesterday, said the issue of supplies concerns technical, economic and political criteria, stressing that the aim of his talks with Mr. Ruhe is "to find under what political terms we can co-operate in our armaments program."

    [04] Kranidiotis calls for US, EU initiatives on Cyprus, Greek-Turkish relations

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis yesterday called on the United States and the European Union to undertake an initiative on the Cyprus problem and Greek-Turkish differences.

    In an interview with an Athens newspaper on Sunday, Mr. Kranidiotis said the unsolved problem of Cyprus and the dangers inherent in Greek-Turkish relations created additional responsibilities for the international community and particularly the United States and EU, which should undertake an initiative to resolve the problems on the basis of international law and agreements.

    [05] Tsohatzopoulos warns of territorial waters' extension if Ankara dares military move

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos issued an indirect warning to Turkey last week that if Ankara caused any further "incidents" Greece would exercise its right to extend its territorial waters from six to 12 nautical miles.

    "In the event that Turkey causes a new (military) incident, the Greek response, apart from a military one there will also be a political response which will maximize the cost for Ankara, will be proportionate to the seriousness of the provocation and will be within the framework of implementing international agreements," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said in a speech Friday night at a Thessaloniki Bar Association event on the subject of national defense policy.

    Under the ratified International Law of the Sea, Greece has the right to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles, while Athens has repeatedly stated that it will do so at an opportune time.

    In addition, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos described Turkey as the "number one threat to Greece", saying Ankara would stop at nothing to use force to alter the status quo in the Aegean.

    Commenting on the possibility of Greek-Turkish differences being resolved by recourse to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stated:

    "I don't think there's much point in referring (the differences) to The Hague, because Ankara's logic is devoid of any perspective for a lawful settlement of the issue. Its logic is to impose its views on Athens."

    On Turkey's claims against Greece in the Aegean, the national defense minister reiterated that Greece would never discuss so-called "gray zones" and islets over which it has sovereignty.

    Finally, he strongly defended the Greece-Cyprus joint defense doctrine, saying that for the first time international organizations and major powers "feel the need to intervene in a different way in order to create prospects for a final solution of the Cyprus problem."

    [06] Tsohatzopoulos says Gov't to implement restructuring in armed forces

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said that the government had decided to restructure the armed forces and implement a new defense strategy to confront the disputing of Greece's sovereign rights by Ankara.

    Speaking in Thessaloniki on Saturday, he said the strategy of deterrence implemented to date would be supplemented with the concept of "flexible response", which during an aggressive action would "have the highest possible cost for the other side."

    "In order to attain these targets we shall work towards securing the necessary conditions, such as the reorganization of the armed forces, the procurement of modern defense equipment and modern training," he said.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos spoke of the creation of a special rapid response force characterized by flexibility, mobility, effective firepower and readiness.

    The element of flexibility, he added, would be achieved through the co-operation of the three services of the armed forces, with a particular role for special forces units.

    [07] Gov't clarifies that proposed social security funds amendment won't affect reserves

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    A proposed amendment to legislation on social security funds will not change the existing status of the funds' reserves, according to a joint statement yesterday by National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and Labor and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou.

    The announcement stated that the amendment in question was an administrative move aimed at improving returns on those reserves which are already deposited in the Bank of Greece.

    There was strong reaction on Saturday against the amendment, which was introduced by Mr. Papantoniou. The amendment requires social security funds to deposit their reserve capital with the Bank of Greece, a total amount which could be in excess of one trillion drachmas.

    The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Federation of Bank Unions (OTOE) had both criticized the amendment. Yesterday's announcement clarified that the amendment provides for further opportunities for increasing returns on reserves, for the benefit of the funds and individuals insured with them.

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis is expected to meet today with Mr. Papaioannou to discuss the amendment.

    GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos on Saturday described the amendment as "unacceptable" and demanded its withdrawal.

    He also stressed that GSEE would in no way accept an increase in the age of retirement or a decrease in pensions.

    Bank unions' federation (OTOE) President Dimitris Kouselas said the issue was extremely serious. The banks' social security funds have particularly large reserves. Mr. Kouselas also called for the withdrawal of the amendment, emphasizing that the funds claimed free movement of reserves.

    Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) President Nikos Constantopoulos also asked in a statement yesterday for the withdrawal of the amendment.

    [08] Papadopoulos says Gov't will stick to convergence program

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos yesterday reiterated the government's determination not to give in to social pressure and to persist in its economic convergence program.

    In an interview with a Sunday paper, Mr. Papadopoulos came out in favor of a "shock policy" consisting of "a comprehensive package of reforms in all sectors."

    As teachers prepared to continue their strike for the fifth consecutive week today, Mr. Papadopoulos said that the preservation of vested rights was contrary to the course of the country within the framework of a new globalized economy.

    "In economic policy matters there are no hard-liners just the reliable and unreliable," Mr. Papadopoulos said.

    [09] Simitis tour of several provinces reported

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis will soon begin a tour of several of the country's prefectures and regions, with his first stop being Thessaly, according to PASOK executive bureau member Theodoros Tsoukatos.

    Mr. Tsoukatos made the announcement while presiding over a PASOK meeting in Achaia prefecture.

    In discussing the premier's upcoming tour, which will reportedly deal with local citizens' problems, Mr. Tsoukatos said: "Nobody can provide solutions with a magic wand. We are determined through social dialogue to proceed with changes so that the country can move forward."

    Speaking on the contents of yesterday's meeting in Achaia, Mr. Tsoukatos said "reorganization is taking place now after the recent popular mandate to PASOK with the prospects of a four-year term, because there are problems in the very operation of the party's organization."

    "PASOK must become the co-developer of the government's political line," he added.

    [10] Public works program for Rethymno's old quarter

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    The old quarter of Rethymno, Crete will receive a 8.6-billion-drachma facelift, Environment Minister Costas Laliotis announced at the official opening of a new public works program there on Saturday.

    Mr. Lalitios said the plan includes preserving the cultural heritage and architectural character of all historic periods represented in the old city, while promoting tourism in the surrounding prefecture as well as in the city itself.

    [11] OLME president requests meeting with Arsenis, teachers' strikes slated to continue

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    The president of the union of high school teachers (OLME), Nikos Tsoulias, requested a meeting yesterday with Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis in an effort to end an ongoing teachers' strike, which enters its fifth consecutive week today.

    Mr. Tsoulias made the request during an interview with an Athens radio station.

    The striking teachers have organized protest rallies and marches in Athens for this morning and in the northern port city of Thessaloniki later in the afternoon.

    Meanwhile, primary school and kindergarten teachers were scheduled to begin a third week of strikes today.

    Political party leaders are to discuss problems in the education sector during a Parliamentary debate on Wednesday.

    On his part, Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos, addressing an education conference yesterday, noted that frequent changes at the education ministry leadership, as with other ministries, along with the inexperience of some of those who held the post, had not permitted an appropriate plan to be implemented.

    He expressed the hope that teachers' representatives would meet once more with the prime minister, as the situation had reached a deadlock.

    Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos also called on the government to abandon what he called its intransigence so public schools may reopen.

    [12] Avramopoulos says he'll complete four-year term as Athens mayor

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos steered clear of internal party conflicts while speaking to members of the main opposition New Democracy party's labor grouping DAKE in Lamia yesterday.

    Mr. Avramopoulos defended his choice to suspend his party activity during his tenure as the Greek capital's mayor, and reiterated his determination to complete his four-year term.

    He also criticized the current political scene and implied that politicians were inconsistent.

    "After elections we must honor and abide by what we say in the pre-election period," he said, stressing that "a climate of unity and agreement is needed."

    The Athens mayor indirectly criticized ND members, saying that "the perception of power as it has been cultivated in Greece has led many down wrong paths."

    In another development, five ND deputies held a meeting in Patra on proposals "for a new national agreement."

    Speaking at the event, the deputies, G. Alogoskoufis, A. Davakis, E. Kefaloyiannis, N. Nikolopoulos and S. Tsitouridis, said "our aim is for our party to regain its balance, and the people who will give it once again its... vision and effectiveness will make it once again into the leading force of Greek society."

    In view of the party congress, the five deputies signed a text calling on the candidates for the ND leadership to sign an agreement that on the day after the congress "ND will not only be a united political force, but will also have the prerequisites in order to make an inspired new start."

    [13] Synaspismos holds conference on local Gov't

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    The Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) concluded a two-day conference on local government yesterday in Thessaloniki. The party proposes an evaluation be made of the new institution of uniting municipalities and communities, both from the political and administrative points of view.

    It also calls for a jointly agreed policy of incentives and counter-incentives.

    A test for the new institution will be the next local government elections in October 1998, Synaspismos says. It plans to undertake initiatives with regard to the electoral system, proposing a simple proportional system. The party also proposes that voters automatically go to polls in their place of residence, if the latter is different from their official electorate.

    Synaspismos calls for a limit to the role of the centralized state and for the areas of responsibility of each level of local government to be set out clearly. It also stresses the importance of upgrading personnel in local government organizations, with recruitment being made locally.

    [14] Shopowners' strike today

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    A large number of shops in Athens and around the country are expected to remain closed today as shopowners participate in a 24-hour nationwide strike called by the General Confederation of Small Manufacturers and Professionals (GSEBE).

    The strike has been called over grievances related to fiscal legislation, financing issues, provisions on business premises, working hours and what the confederation has termed unfair competition from department stores and super markets.

    [15] Museum robbed

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    Four masked gunmen robbed the Ramnous Museum at Marathon Saturday night after striking and tying up a guard. The suspects broke into the museum building and made off with a small statue of a nymph and a burial column, worth more than 10 million drachmas.

    Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, in a statement yesterday on the incident, admitted there were deficiencies in the security systems at museums and referred to the ministry's efforts to rectify the situation. Only a month ago, a plan was approved to install a new electrical and security system at the museum.

    [16] Mysterious attack on foreign correspondent's home investigated

    Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)

    Police are investigating a bizarre incident involving a reported break-in at the Athens residence of the BBC World Service's correspondent for Albania on Friday and a subsequent attack on the correspondent' wife.

    According to reports, BBC correspondent Robert Goro's wife, Diana, told police on Saturday that two masked men, one of whom was armed, entered her apartment and sprayed mace into her face. Mrs. Goro said she had previously received a telephone call the same day, Valentine's Day, from a man claiming to have a delivery of flowers.

    She also told authorities that the two men searched the apartment for her husband, leaving only when they had verified he was not there. According to Mrs. Goro's statement, the men fired two shots into the air as they left the building, although this has not been verified by neighbors. An investigation is continuing.

    End of English language section.


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